Wild for Scotland Podcast

Join me for a conversation with hiking guide and climbing instructor Kirsty Pallas. We'll talk about her path to becoming a mountain leader, her passion for Argyll's hidden gems and her work with Our Shared Outdoors. To get a sense of our day hike with Kirsty, listen to last week's episode 'Traces'. Visit our website to find the full show notes incl. the transcript and lin...

'Traces' is a story about the traces of history you can uncover on the Isle of Kerrera. Traces of Neolithic settlements, medieval conflicts and modern quirks. But it's also a story about the traces, places like Kerrera can leave in your mind. We're joining local mountain guide Kirsty Pallas for a day trip to Kerrera, a walk to the dramatic ruin of Gylen Castle and a yummy meal...

Wild for Scotland is coming back this autumn to continue our journey into the stories & people of Scotland. I've spent the summer on the road collecting new stories and having conversations with interesting folks all over Scotland. we’ll be heading to locations that are near and dear to my heart - the mountains of Glencoe, the Isle of Canna, the waters of the Argyll Hope Spot and a few mo...

Mark Williams is a forager and foraging tutor with over 30 years of experience. Originally from the Isle of Arran, he lives in Galloway these days and runs foraging classes and workshops all over Scotland. His website Galloway Wild Foods is one of the leading resources for beginners and experienced foragers alike. To get a sense of my foraging trip with Mark, which also saw us kayaking on the Gall...

‘In Tune’ is a story about an exceptional kayak expedition on the Galloway coast. The goal? Wild camp and learn about local plants from master forager Mark Williams. We wake up to the most beautiful views, take a refreshing dip in the sea and spend the day paddling from bay to bay. Mark takes us on foraging walks to learn more about Scotland’s plants and wild foods, and we’re heading to the tidal...

Calum Maclean is an experienced outdoor swimmer, a talented broadcaster and a native Gaelic speaker. In his work, he often combines all three of these skills, creating videos that combine adventure, entertainment and education to teach others about Gaelic words, water safety or responsible behaviour in the great outdoors. For a taste of what an adventure with Calum might look like, listen to last...

'Uisge' is a story about my journey as an outdoor swimmer. From loving the idea but not the implementation to immersing myself in the ice cold waters of one of Scotland's largest freshwater lochs, let me take you on a scenic drive, a hike and a swim in Perthshire. We spend a morning with Scottish broadcaster and experiences outdoor swimmer Calum Maclean, exploring a lush gorge near...

Katie Murray is one of the researchers leading the Scottish part of the Wonder Seekers project, a new initiative that brings together science and tourism to inspire journeys of discovery. I spoke to Katie in Fort William about her own path to scientific tourism, what inspires her to learn on her travels in Scotland and life in the Highlands. We'll also hear from the scientists who we've...

This episode is sponsored by Wonder Seekers , an initiative that brings together science and tourism to inspire exciting learning adventures that are unique, authentic and sustainable. 'Never The Same' is a story about the ways in which travelling can turn the natural world into a classroom. From holding a piece of rock that is almost as old as the planet to learning the killer whale&apo...

Adele Patrick is the co-founder of Glasgow Women's Library, a textile artist and fierce advocate for women's and LGBTQ rights - but as you'll soon also find out, one of the warmest people you could encounter on a trip to the city. Listen to my conversation with Adele in which we cover... What it was like moving to Scotland in the late 1980s How Glasgow has changed since the early 19...

'Flourish' is a story about Glasgow's "City of the Dead". We're joining a group of history detectives from the Glasgow Women's Library for a guided tour at the Necropolis, a Victorian garden cemetery behind Glasgow Cathedral. We'll hear stories of influential women who were buried here and learn about the lives of ordinary women in the city throughout histor...

Lisa Williams is the founder of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association, which promotes Caribbean culture in Scotland, and since 2018 has been running Black History Walks Edinburgh. Listen to my conversation with Lisa in which we cover... Moving to Scotland from the Caribbean, The development of the Black History Walks in Edinburgh, Scottish books to add to your reading list, Lisa's favourite pla...

'More to it' is a story about links between Scotland and the trans-Atlantic slave trade, but it's also a story about outstanding Black Scottish people and the ways in which Edinburgh locals supported the abolition movement. We're joining a Black history walking tour with Lisa Williams and make our way from the grand streets of Edinburgh's New Town to the cobbled lanes of t...

Wild for Scotland is coming back for its third season and the first new episode will be out next week. I’m back on the road and will combine my passion for storytelling with the best thing about travelling - meeting new people. Inspired by Scotland’s Year of Stories, this season is called “People of Scotland”.  I will be meeting with folks all over the country, and write immersive stories about th...

'Showtime' is a story about a trip to the Isle of Skye in winter. We're getting up well before the crack of dawn and set out to visit one of the most beautiful places on the Isle of Skye. Icy roads, steep inclines and tired eyes won't keep us from this once-in-a-lifetime experience! This is actually a story I initially shared with my Patreon subscribers last summer. If you like...

'Tea and Beans is a story about two chance encounters I had on the Isle of Harris when I walked the Hebridean Way. The people of the Outer Hebrides, their warm welcome and their incredible hospitality have stuck with me ever since. I'm sure you'll soon understand why! This is actually a story I initially shared with my Patreon subscribers last summer. If you like it and would like t...

'Wild Isle' is a story about a day trip to the Isle of Mull - from wild-landscapes to wild-life, the island is showing off its "untamed side". We start with a hike in the hills of south Mull, discovering the plants of the bog, swimming in a mountain loch and exploring the corries of the coast. Then, we're hitting the road and make our way along the scenic route from Pennyg...

'The Birds and the Trees' is a story about a scenic road trip through the Cairngorms National Park. But it is also a story about Scottish wilderness - or rather what's left of it. We're driving down the Snow Roads scenic route, from the jaw-dropping drama of the Lecht Road to the lush glens of the Royal Deeside and the high Munros in the heart of the Cairngorms. After getting a...

'Step by Step' tells the story of a 6-mile hike along the Fife Coastal Path. Sure - you could drive from village to village. But with so many things to see on such a short stretch of coast, why not make the most of the excellent paths and bus routes on the East Neuk of Fife and go for a leisurely walk. We start at the beach of Ruby Bay in Elie and work our way past St Monans and Pittenwe...

'Whisky Galore' is a story for whisky fans, but also for those who wonder if a trip to the Speyside is worth it if you're not a whisky lover. A hint: it is! We're driving to the Speyside and spend a few days in Dufftown, the "Whisky Capital of the World". The Speyside is one of the best places to learn about Scottish whisky - it's the most productive whisky regio...

'The Key' is a story for Outlander fans. From Preston Mill to Lallybroch, we'll explore some of the Outlander film locations near Edinburgh. We'll explore the real-life history of these locations, hear how they were used in the TV programme and how you can immerse yourself in Outlander while on tour in Scotland. After the story, Scott Kyle aka the blacksmith of Lallybroch joins...

'At Peace' tells the story of a road trip to the remote West Highland Peninsulas that is both tranquil and thought-provoking. We begin our journey on the blue waters of Loch Sunart, sea kayaking from bay to bay while listening to local folklore. We continue on the road to one of Scotland's most beautiful beaches and finish with a hike to the historic township of Aoineadh Mor (Inniem...

'The Slow Road' tells the story of driving down the North Coast 500 - but mostly not following it. Instead, we explore some of the detours along the way. First, we drive from Torridon to Lower Diabaig, crossing a mountain pass that makes the hair stand up at the back of your next. Then, we leave the road behind to go for a hike in the Beinn Eighe mountain range. Finally, we drive down an...

Ready to go island hopping again? Let's drive down the west coast of Lewis on our way from the Callanish Stones to Bosta Beach on Great Bernera. 'Peat and Sands' is a story about a road trip on the Isle of Lewis. We'll explore a landscape that is shaped by time, as we drive from standing stones to sandy beaches - and everything in between. After the story, I share with you my t...

Ready to go off the beaten path? Let's drive down the Rhins of Galloway peninsula and make our way from Portpatrick to the Mull of Galloway. 'Rhins of Galloway' is a story about exploring the far southwest of Scotland - the hammerhead-shaped peninsula known as the Rhins of Galloway. Located where the Irish Sea meets the Solway Firth and the North Channel, the peninsula is a hidden g...